Want to help out public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic? There's a way to do that while also providing critical relief for private schools too, advocacy groups have told congressional leaders.
The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, which has little chance of passing as written, would also also provide dedicated funding to help students connect to the internet.
Democrats have long called for federal school infrastructure spending. During the pandemic, dozens of education groups tell Congress this aid should help schools become health care, job-training, and digital hubs.
The two national teachers' unions and other prominent groups are seeking $175 billion for state K-12 budgets, $13 billion in dedicated aid for special education, and more to help schools deal with the coronavirus.
One of the biggest pieces of unfinished business for education groups when it comes to federal help with the coronavirus is connectivity and online learning. But what's the state of play?
The bipartisan coronavirus bill from Congress also has $3.5 billion for child-care grants and $750 million for Head Start, but does not have dedicated funding to help students connect to the internet.
House coronavirus stimulus legislation would direct at least $15 billion to shore up K-12 budgets, $2 billion to support remote learning for students, and more.
The Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act would provide mandatory funding to support K-12 as well as institutions of higher education.
The creation of vouchers for teachers' professional development "violates both the spirit and intent" of federal law, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. says in a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
The House passes legislation to make it easier for more students to access meals amid spread of COVID-19, and up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for many workers if a child's school has been closed.
Recent Comments